Frame construction for a chair or desk

ABSTRACT

A furniture construction includes a frame structure made up of a pair of spaced frame sections connected together, and a furniture component mounted to the frame structure. Each frame section includes a lower base section, an upright, and a furniture component support member extending from the upright and to which the furniture component is mounted. The frame sections are preferably C-shaped when viewed from the side. In one form, the furniture component is a seat mounted to the furniture component support, and the frame structure includes a back support area extending upwardly from the seat. A back is mounted to the back support area. In another form, the furniture component is a desk or table top mounted to the furniture component support. Combination desk/chair units may also be constructed utilizing the same basic frame structure.

[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit ofprovisional application Serial No. 60/160,348 filed Oct. 19, 1999.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains to a chair and desk system which is wellsuited for use in an educational environment. The system includeschairs, desks, chair/desk combinations and accessories for usetherewith.

[0003] Furniture used in educational settings, such as classrooms inprimary and secondary schools, typically consists of combinationdesk/chair units or a series of tables in which students are seated inindividual chairs. Combination desk/chair units are typically employedin primary classrooms, and include a frame having a set of rear legs anda set of front legs. A seat is mounted to a seat support structureinterconnected with the rear of the frame, and a desk is supported by adesk support structure located at the front of the frame. This type ofconstruction is old and well-known, and has been used in classrooms formany decades.

[0004] Educational tables and chairs, which are used in other types ofclassrooms, are also typically constructed in a manner that is old andwell-known. Tables typically consist of a rectangular laminated top witha leg supporting the top at each corner. Chairs are typicallyconstructed of thick, hard plastic seats and backs which are mounted toa four-legged frame which includes a seat mounting area and a backmounting area.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to advance the design,function, manufacture and aesthetic characteristics of furniture whichis typically employed in a classroom setting. It is a further object ofthe invention to provide such furniture which incorporates similardesign elements for desks, chairs, chair/desk combinations and tables,which departs significantly from existing technology and which providessignificant advantages in use, manufacture and aesthetics. A stillfurther object of the invention is to provide such furniture which isreadily adaptable for manufacture in varying sizes so as to accommodatedifferently sized users encountered in different educational settings.Yet another object of the invention is to provide such furniture whichhas ergonomic advantages over the prior art. A still further object ofthe invention is to provide such furniture which is relatively simple inits components and manufacture, and which utilizes a number of commoncomponents so as to reduce the cost of manufacturing furniture ofvarying sizes.

[0006] In accordance with the invention, an article of furniture is madeup of a supporting frame assembly and a furniture component mounted tothe frame assembly. The frame assembly is substantially C-shaped whenviewed from the side, and includes a pair of interconnected C-shapedside frame sections. Each side frame section includes a lower memberwhich engages the floor or other supporting surface, an upright memberextending upwardly from one end of the lower member, and an upper memberwhich supports a component of the article of furniture. Thisconstruction of the frame assembly can be used to form a chair or adesk, and the open area of the frame assembly faces the area occupied bythe user's legs. That is, the C-shaped frame assembly of the chair facesforwardly and the C-shaped frame assembly of a desk faces rearwardly, tomaximize the amount of leg room available for a user.

[0007] A chair constructed according to the invention has a seatsupported by the upper members of the side frame sections. Each sideframe section further includes an extension of the upright member whichextends above the seat, and defines an area to which a back is mounted.In addition, the upper ends of the side frame sections areinterconnected by an inverted U-shaped handle member, which is locatedbehind the back.

[0008] The side frame sections are constructed such that each lowermember extends forwardly from the lower end of the upright member, suchas at a bend located between the lower member and the upright member. Aglide is mounted to each side frame section at the bend, and is adaptedto engage the floor or other supporting surface at a location rearwardlyof the user's center of gravity. In a preferred form, the glide engagesthe floor at a location rearwardly of the back. In this manner, thechair is resistant to tipping when the forward portion of the chair israised.

[0009] The back is designed such that its maximum width is at the upperend of the back, with the sides of the back being arcuate in shape andextending downwardly from the upper end of the back. The seat and theback define surfaces which support the user at an optimal seating angleand which provide comfort during long periods of setting.

[0010] In a desk assembly, a desk top is mounted to the upper supportmembers. The side frame sections are parallel to each other and extendin a vertical plane, and function to support the desk top above thefloor or other supporting surface. Each side frame section includes alower member which engages the floor and an upright extending upwardlytherefrom, with the upper member extending from the upper end of theupright in a direction parallel to the lower member. The desk frame andtop may have a construction suitable for a single student.Alternatively, the frame may be formed to have a greater length and tosupport a double desk top, to provide a double desk construction.

[0011] The invention further contemplates a tablet desk in which anupright member extends upwardly from the forward end of one of the lowermembers. A tablet support frame is engaged with the upright member andis located over the seat, and a tablet top is mounted to the tabletframe so as to be spaced above and forwardly of the seat. The same basicconstruction of the chair frame assembly is employed to construct atablet desk of this type.

[0012] The invention further contemplates a double entry desk having achair frame and a desk frame which are merged together, such that thelower member of each chair side frame section is formed continuouslywith the lower member of each desk side frame section. With thisconstruction, the desk top is permanently mounted in a fixed locationabove and forwardly of the seat, and the user can enter or exit thecombination desk/chair assembly from either side.

[0013] Various other features, objects and advantages of the inventionwill be made apparent from the following description taken together withthe drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated ofcarrying out the invention.

[0015] In the drawings:

[0016]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a chair assembly constructedaccording to the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the frame of the chair assembly ofFIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the chair assembly of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, with portions in section, of thechair assembly of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a handle member forming a part ofthe chair assembly of FIG. 1, for interconnecting the upper ends of thechair frame of FIG. 2;

[0021]FIG. 5a is a partial exploded elevation view illustrating mountingof the chair back to the handle member of FIG. 5;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the chair back incorporated inthe chair assembly of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a glide member incorporated in thechair assembly of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the glide member of FIG. 7;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a section view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a partial section view taken along line 10-10 of FIG.4;

[0027]FIG. 11 is an elevation view of a mounting tab member forming apart of the chair frame assembly of FIG. 2, for use in mounting theglide member of FIG. 7;

[0028]FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view illustrating a front glideassembly incorporated into the chair assembly of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the glide member of FIG. 12,with reference to line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

[0030]FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the glide member of FIG. 13,with reference to line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

[0031]FIG. 15 is a plan view of a seat support mounting plate forming apart of the chair frame assembly of FIG. 2;

[0032]FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the seat incorporated into theseat assembly of FIG. 1;

[0033]FIG. 17 is a section view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

[0034]FIG. 18 is a section view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16;

[0035]FIG. 19 is a view showing front elevations of chair assemblies ofvarying sizes constructed according to the invention;

[0036]FIG. 20 is a view illustrating the construction of the chairassembly of the invention and its ability to resist tipping;

[0037]FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a desk assembly constructedaccording to the invention;

[0038]FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the desk assembly of FIG. 21;

[0039]FIG. 23 is a partial section view showing mounting of the desk topto the upper frame member, showing the components separated from eachother;

[0040]FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23, showing the assembledcomponents with reference to line 24-24 of FIG. 22;

[0041]FIG. 25 is an exploded isometric view illustrating the desk frameassembly and the desk top incorporated in the desk assembly of FIG. 21;

[0042]FIG. 26 is a rear elevation view of the desk assembly of FIG. 21;

[0043]FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the desk top incorporated in thedesk assembly of FIG. 21;

[0044]FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the desk assembly of FIG. 21;

[0045]FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the desk top incorporated intothe desk assembly of FIG. 21;

[0046]FIG. 30 is a section view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29;

[0047]FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a desk top similar to that shown inFIG. 27, illustrating an alternative embodiment for the desk top;

[0048]FIG. 32 is a partial section view taken along line 32-32 of FIG.31;

[0049]FIG. 33 is a view illustrating various sizes of the desk assemblyconstructed according to the invention such as is shown in FIG. 21;

[0050]FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a double desk constructedaccording to the invention;

[0051]FIG. 35 is a top plane view of the double desk of FIG. 34;

[0052]FIG. 36 is an exploded isometric view of the double desk of FIG.34;

[0053]FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view of a desk top end sectionincorporated into the double desk assembly of FIG. 34;

[0054]FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of a center section incorporatedinto the desk top of the double desk assembly of FIG. 34;

[0055]FIG. 39 is a side elevation view of the center section of FIG. 38;

[0056]FIG. 40 is a section view illustrating the center section of FIGS.38 and 39;

[0057]FIG. 41 is an enlarged section view, with reference to line 41-41of FIG. 39;

[0058]FIG. 42 is a top plan view illustrating an alternative embodimentof a pair of desk sections for incorporating into the double deskassembly of FIG. 34;

[0059]FIG. 43 is an isometric view of a tablet arm chair assemblyconstructed according to the invention;

[0060]FIG. 44 is an isometric view of a frame incorporated into thetable arm chair assembly of FIG. 43;

[0061]FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of the tablet arm chair assemblyof FIG. 43;

[0062]FIG. 46 is an isometric view of a double entry chair/desk unitconstructed according to the invention;

[0063]FIG. 47 is an isometric view of a frame assembly incorporated intothe double entry chair/desk unit of FIG. 46;

[0064]FIG. 48 is a side elevation view illustrating a series of stackeddesk assemblies constructed according to the invention;

[0065]FIG. 49 is a side elevation view illustrating a chair assemblystacked onto a desk assembly;

[0066]FIG. 50 is an isometric view illustrating a series of chairassemblies constructed according to the invention, in a stackedrelationship;

[0067]FIG. 51 is a partial isometric view illustrating a storage boxadapted for use with the desk assemblies according to the invention;

[0068]FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the storage box of FIG. 51;

[0069]FIG. 53 is a section view taken along line 53-53 of FIG. 52;

[0070]FIG. 54 is a section view taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 53;

[0071]FIG. 55 is a top plan view of a mouse support member adapted foruse in combination with the storage box of FIG. 51;

[0072]FIG. 56 is a section view taken along line 56-56 of FIG. 55;

[0073]FIG. 57 is an isometric view illustrating the storage box of FIG.51 as engaged with a desk top;

[0074]FIG. 58 is a view similar to FIG. 57, showing movement of thestorage box and the mouse support member of FIG. 55;

[0075]FIG. 59 is an isometric view of the storage box of FIG. 51 asengaged with a desk assembly;

[0076]FIG. 60 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 58, showing the mousesupport member in its retracted, inoperative position;

[0077]FIG. 61 is an isometric view illustrating removal of the storagebox of FIG. 51 from the desk top; and

[0078]FIG. 62 is an isometric view illustrating a series of storageboxes as in FIG. 51 stacked upon each other for storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079]FIG. 1 illustrates a chair 50 constructed according to theinvention. Chair 50 includes a frame assembly 52 to which a seat 54 anda back 56 are mounted. Chair 50 is well suited for use in an educationalenvironment, although it is understood that chair 50 may be used in anysatisfactory setting.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, frame assembly 52 is formed of a pair ofside frame sections 58, which are mirror images of each other. Each sideframe section 58 defines a lower horizontal base section 60 and anupright 62, between which a bend 64 is located. Upright 62 terminates inan upper end 66. Base section 60 and upright 62 define an angle ofapproximately 88°, and upright 62 and upper end 66 define an angle ofapproximately 153°. Upper end 66 extends at an angle of approximately105° relative to base section 60. Each side frame section 58 is formedof a bent elliptical metal tubing material, although it is understoodthat other satisfactory materials and forming methods could be employed.

[0081] Side frame sections 58 are oriented such that base sections 60extend parallel to each other in a front-rear direction. Uprights 62extend toward each other in an upward direction, defining an angle ofapproximately 42°. Each upright 62 includes a bend 70 toward its upperend, and bends 70 are oriented such that upper ends 66 of uprights 62are parallel to each other when viewed from the front or rear.

[0082] An inverted U-shaped handle member 72 is connected to upper end66 of each side frame section 58. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, handlemember 72 defines an upper horizontal section 74 and a pair of dependingside sections 76. Each side frame section 58 is preferably formed of atubular material defining an internal passage throughout its length, anda lower end of each handle side section 76, which includes a series ofridges 77, is received within the upwardly open internal passage definedby upper end 66 of each upright 62. Handle member 72 functions to secureside frame sections 58 together at their upper ends and to span acrossthe space therebetween.

[0083] Each handle side section 76 is curved outwardly toward its upperend adjacent upper horizontal section 74 and curves inwardly at itslower end adjacent upper end 66 of one of uprights 62. With thisconstruction, handle member 72 defines an open area 78 below upperhorizontal section 74 and between side sections 76, for providing aconvenient and ergonomic hand grip area for use in lifting and movingchair 50.

[0084] A transverse cross-brace member 80 (FIGS. 1-3) extends betweenuprights 62 at the level of seat 54 and above base sections 60.Cross-brace member 80 is secured at its ends to the inner facingsurfaces of uprights 62 in any satisfactory manner, such as by welding.In combination with handle member 72, cross-brace member 80 functions tosecure side frame sections 58 together into frame assembly 52 for chair50.

[0085] A seat support member 82 extends forwardly from each side framesection 58 at a location below bend 70. Each seat support member 82extends forwardly from one of uprights 62, in a direction parallel tothe longitudinal axis of base section 60. The forward end of each seatsupport member 82 terminates slightly rearwardly of the forward end ofbase section 60. In a manner to be explained, seat support members 82are operable to mount seat 54 to frame assembly 52. Seat support members82 are preferably formed of the same material as side frame sections 58,and are connected thereto in any satisfactory manner such as by welding.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 7-11, a rear glide 84 is mounted toeach side frame section 58 at lower bend 64. Each rear glide 84 definesa slot 86 which receives a tab 88 welded to side frame section 58 atbend 64. An opening 89 is formed in the inner surface of glide 84 forreceiving a screw 90, which is engaged within one of threaded openings91 formed in tab 88. With this arrangement, glide 84 is easily mountedto side frame section 58, and easily removed when necessary forreplacement.

[0087] Glide 84 defines a lower engagement edge 92 which engages asupporting surface such as a floor, and a rear edge 94 extendingupwardly from engagement edge 92. An arcuate corner 96 is definedbetween engagement edge 92 and rear edge 94. An upper, forward edge 98of glide 84 defines a curved, contoured recess adapted to receive theouter, lower portion of side frame section 58 at lower bend 64. Slot 86,which receives tab 88, extends inwardly from the recess in upper,forward edge 98.

[0088] Rear glide 84 is configured and mounted to side frame section 58such that engagement edge 92 is located at an elevation below the lowerextent of base section 60, to provide a space between the supportingsurface and base 60 when chair 50 is supported on the supportingsurface.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 12-14, a front glide 100 and an end cap102 are engaged with the forward end of each base section 60. Frontglide 100 defines a lower engagement portion 104 and a ring 106extending upwardly therefrom. End cap 102 defines an outer cap section108 and an inner mounting section 110 provided with a series of ridges.Ring 106 of front glide 100 defines a passage 111 adapted to receive theend of base section 60, with a shoulder located at the forward portionof ring 106 engaging the end of base section 60. Mounting section 110 ofend cap 102 is adapted to pass through the open area defined by ring 106and into the open front end of base section 60, for mounting both frontglide 100 and end cap 102 to the forward end of base section 60. Capsection 108 of end cap 102 is configured so as to engage ring 106outwardly of the open area defined by ring 106, which defines a recess Rfor receiving a peripheral outer flange F of cap section 108 whichextends outwardly of mounting section 110. Mounting section 110 is sizedand configured so as to closely correspond to the shape of the internalpassage defined by base section 60, and the ridges of mounting section110 provide a friction fit mounting of end cap 102 and front glide 100to the forward end of base section 60.

[0090] Front glide 100 is preferably formed of a thermoplastic materialsuch as Santoprene and end cap 102 is preferably formed of a nylonmaterial, although it is understood that other satisfactory materialsmay be employed.

[0091] An end cap 102 is engaged within the open front end of each seatsupport member 82, without a glide such as 100. Flange F is sized andshaped so as to correspond to the end of seat support member 82. In thismanner, end cap 102 functions to close the open forward end of each seatsupport member 82 and to provide a finished appearance.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 15, a mounting plate 112 is mountedbetween seat support members 82 toward the outer end of each mountingmember 82. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 16, mounting bosses 114 depend fromthe underside of seat 54. A threaded fastener, such as a screw 116,extends through each of a series of openings 117 in mounting plate 112and upwardly into a downwardly open internal passage 118 defined by eachmounting boss 114. With this arrangement, seat 54 is mounted to seatsupport members 82. Rearwardly of mounting bosses 114, seat 54 defines adownwardly facing rear surface 120 which is spaced slightly above theupper surfaces of seat support members 82.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, the rear edge of seat 54, shown at 122, isspaced forwardly from the forward surfaces of side frame sections 58.The front edge of seat 54, shown at 124, is located forwardly of theforward ends of seat support members 82. Seat 54 is configured so as todefine a rearwardly sloping upwardly facing support surface 126 havingan angle of approximately 8° relative to horizontal, i.e. relative tothe longitudinal axes of seat support members 82 and base sections 60.The rearward slope of seat 54 functions to resist forward sliding of theuser when seated in chair 50. Seat 54 is nearly flat in a transversedirection, so as to allow a user to sit in various positions withoutpressure at the edges of seat 54. In addition, the flatness of seat 54accommodates off-center sitting and varying body shapes, and reducespressure on softer body tissues which may otherwise cause circulatorydiscomfort.

[0094] The forward portion of seat 54, shown at 128 (FIGS. 17, 18)slopes forwardly at an angle of approximately 5° relative to horizontal,commencing slightly rearwardly of the forward mounting bosses 114. Thefront of seat 54 at front edge 124 defines a “waterfall”, providing easyingress and egress to and from seat 54.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, a pair of mounting bosses 132extend rearwardly from the rear surface of back 56. Each mounting boss132 is located adjacent a mounting section of handle member 72, shown at134, and is adapted to engage a forward area thereof. The rearwardlyfacing surface of each mounting boss 132 is configured so as tocorrespond to the external configuration of the forward area of mountingsection 134. Threaded fasteners, such as screws 136, extend throughopenings in each mounting section 134 and into one of a pair of passages138 defined by mounting boss 132. The passage in mounting section 134defines a shoulder for engaging the head of screw 136. With thisarrangement, screws 136 are operable to engage mounting bosses 132 ateach side of handle member 72, for securely mounting seat 56 to andbetween handle member side sections 76.

[0096] Back 56 defines a lower edge 142 located above seat supportmembers 82 and above the seat rear edge 122. In addition, back 56defines an upper edge 144 located above the upper end of handle member72. The upper area of back 56 which is engaged by a user's back, i.e.the area of back 56 located at and above the location of mounting bosses132, is oriented at an angle of approximately 15° relative to verticalin order to relieve muscular fatigue on the user.

[0097] The rear portion of seat 54 and the upper portion of back 56cooperate to define a sitting angle of approximately 97°. In addition,the 5° forward slope of the forward edge of seat 54 functions to definea trunk/thigh angle which approaches the optimum angle of 135°. Thisorientation of seat 54 and back 56 has been found to be ergonomicallysatisfactory and to provide a high degree of comfort for users whensitting for relatively long periods of time, such as can occur in aneducational setting.

[0098] Upper edge 144 of back 56 defines a slight upward curvature, andalso defines the point of maximum width of back 56. The sides of back56, shown at 146, are curved downwardly and inwardly, terminating atlower edge 142. This shape of back 56 provides a high degree of supportfor the back of a user with a relatively small amount of material, byeliminating material laterally outwardly from the center of back 56 atthe lower areas of back 56.

[0099]FIG. 19 illustrates chairs 50, 50′, 50″ and 50′″ constructedaccording to the invention, and primed reference characters will be usedto facilitate clarity. Chair 50′ includes a frame assembly 52′, and theremaining components of chair 50′ are identical to those shown anddescribed with respect to chair 50. Chair 50′ is adapted to accommodatea user smaller than the intended users of chair 50. Seat support members82′ of frame assembly 52′ are positioned at a lower elevation than inframe 52, and the overall height of frame 52′ is less than that of frame52. The configuration of seat 54 and back 56 are the same for chair 50′as chair 50, as is the angular relationship between seat 54 and back 56.The utilization of common components for chair 50 and chair 50′ provideseconomies in the manufacture of two different chair models intended fordifferent groups of end users.

[0100] Chair 50″ includes a frame assembly 52″ constructed generallysimilarly to frame assemblies 52 and 52′. Again, however, chair 50″ isadapted for use with smaller individuals than chair 50′, and thusincludes seat support members 82″ located closer to base sections 60″and having a lesser height than frame assembly 52′. Chair 50″ includes aseat 54′ and a back 56′, which are similar in shape to seat 54 and back56, respectively, but of a smaller scale for seating smaller users thanare intended for chairs 50 and 50′. The configuration of seat 54′ andback 56′ is similar to that of seat 54 and back 56, as are the angularrelationships between seat 54′ and back 56′. Again, handle member 72,rear glides 84, front glides 100 and end caps 102 are the same for chair50″ as for chairs 50 and 50′, thus providing an efficient and economicalmeans for producing chairs of varying sizes with common components.

[0101] Chair 50′″ is adapted to accommodate even smaller individualsthan chair 50″. Chair 50′″ includes a frame assembly 52′″ which againhas a similar overall configuration as frame assemblies 52, 52′ and 52″.Again, however, the seat support members 82′″ are located at a lowerelevation relative to base sections 60′″. In addition, the overallheight of frame assembly 52′″ is less than that of frame assembly 52″.With this arrangement, seat 54″ is placed at a low elevation relative tothe floor or other supporting surface, and back 56″ is positioned so asto accommodate the back of such a user. Again, seat 54″ and back 56″each have a similar configuration as seats 54, 54′ and back 56, 56′,respectively, to provide the same ergonomic advantages as set forthabove. The angular relationships between seat 54″ and back 56″ are alsothe same as described above with respect to seat 54 and back 56. Asbefore, handle member 72, rear glides 84, front glides 100 and end caps102 are the same components as shown and described previously, toprovide efficiencies in the manufacture of chairs 50, 50′, 50″ and 50′″.

[0102]FIG. 19 illustrates chairs 50, 50′, 50″ and 50′″ in a side-by-sidemanner, which well illustrates the difference in the chair sizes and thecapability of chairs 50-50′″ to handle differently sized individualswhile utilizing a large number of common components for chairs ofvarious sizes.

[0103]FIG. 20 illustrates the operation of rear glides 84 in providingstability for a chair such as 50. Rear glide 84 engages the floor orother supporting surface 150, along with front glide 100, to normallysupport chair 50 in use. Glides 84, 100 are configured so as to spacethe base section 60 of frame assembly 52 above supporting surface 150.When the user leans back against back 56 and pushes upward on supportingsurface 150 to rock chair 50, as shown in the right hand portion of FIG.12, front glide 100 is lifted off supporting surface 150. Rear glide 84engages supporting surface 150 at a location rearward of back 56 andtherefore well rearward of the user's center of gravity during suchnormal rocking motion of chair 50, to prevent chair 50 from tippingover. The configuration of rear glide 84 is such as to discouragebackward rocking of chair 50, in that point contact of rear glide 84with supporting surface 150 is located at the most rearward possiblelocation on chair 50. This ensures that the user's center of gravity isat all times located forwardly of the contact point between rear glide84 and supporting surface 150 during rearward rocking movement of chair50. Rear glide 84 is preferably formed of a rigid material such as glassfilled nylon, although it is understood that other materials may beused.

[0104] While FIG. 20 illustrates operation of glides 84 in connectionwith chair 50, it is understood that similar operation occurs withrespect to chairs 50′, 50″ and 50′″ so as to prevent chair tippingduring rocking movement of the chair.

[0105]FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a desk 152 constructed according to theinvention. Desk 152 includes a frame assembly 154 and a top 156, and isespecially well suited for use with chairs such as 50, 50′, 50″ and 50′″in an educational setting, although it is understood that the desk andchairs may be used in any setting as desired.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 21, 22 and 25, frame assembly 154 consists ofa pair of C-shaped side frame sections 158 in combination with across-brace member 160 extending therebetween. Each side frame section158 includes a base section 162, an upright section 164 and an uppersection 166 to which top 156 is mounted, in a manner to be explained. Alower bend 168 is located between base section 162 and upright section164, and an upper bend 169 is located between upright section 164 andupper section 166. Each side frame section 158 is preferably formed of abent elliptical metal tubing material, although it is understood thatother satisfactory materials and forming methods could be employed.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 22, front glide 100 and end cap 102 are engagedwith the open forward end of each base section 162, in the same manneras described above with respect to frame assembly 52 of chair 50.Similarly, a rear glide 84 is mounted to a mounting tab 88 secured toeach side frame section 158 at lower bend 168, in the same manner asdescribed above with respect to frame assembly 52 and chair 50. In thismanner, glides 84, 100 function to support base section 162 above thefloor or other supporting surface, and prevent tipping of desk 152.

[0108] Side frame sections 158 are spaced apart from each other and liein parallel planes, and the space between side frame sections 158 issufficient to accommodate a chair and a user. Cross-brace member 160 ispreferably formed of the same tubular material as used to form sideframe sections 158, and is connected to side frame sections 158 in anysatisfactory manner, such as by welding.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 25, frame assembly 154 further includes a pairof parallel cross members 170 which extend between upper sections 166.Each cross member 170 has a pair of spaced openings, and is connected atits ends to upper sections 166 in any satisfactory manner such as bywelding. A pair of rails 171 are mounted to cross members 170, extendingin a front-rear direction perpendicularly to cross members 170 andparallel to upper sections 166. The function of rails 171 will later beexplained.

[0110] Desk top 156 is preferably an injection molded plastic member,although it is understood that other satisfactory materials and formingmethods may be employed. Desk top 156 defines a top wall 172, dependingfront and rear lips 174, 176, respectively, and depending side lips 178extending between front and rear lips 174, 176.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 22-24 and 28-30, a series of mounting bosses182 depend from upper wall 172 of desk top 156, and each defines apassage adapted to receive a threaded fastener such as a screw 184 whichextends through an opening in one of cross members 170 into engagementwith a passage in one of mounting bosses 182, so as to secure desk top156 to frame assembly 154.

[0112] A pair of pencil troughs 186 are formed in top wall 172 at itsside edges. In addition, a series of reinforcing ribs 188 (FIGS. 28-30)are formed integrally with desk top 156 for adding rigidity to top wall172.

[0113]FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative desk top 156′, which isgenerally similar in construction to desk top 156 as illustrated inFIGS. 21-28. Desk top 156′ includes a recessed top wall 190, which isadapted to receive an insert 192, illustrated in FIG. 20. The recess oftop wall 190 is shallow and flat, and is defined by inner edges offront, rear and side lips 174, 176 and 178, respectively. Insert 192 isplaced within the recess and is secured in position in any satisfactorymanner, such as by use of an adhesive. Insert 192 provides a hard,smooth surface suitable for writing and for withstanding scratches,bumps and other forces to which the upper surface of desk top 156′ issubjected during use. In addition, insert 190 provides the capability ofapplying a logo, guidelines, lettering or numbering to the upper surfaceof desk top 156′ by application to insert 192, in a manner as is known.

[0114]FIG. 33 illustrates desk 152, along with desks 152′, 152″ and152′″, which have the same general construction as desk 152. As can beseen, however, desks 152′, 152″ and 152′″ increase in height relative todesk 152 and relative to each other, for accommodating different chairheights and sizes of users. Desks 152, 152′, 152″ and 152′″ each employthe same desk top 156 as desk 152, and each includes a frame assemblyhaving an increasing height for locating top 156 at increasingly higherelevations above the supporting surface 150. Each frame assembly, shownat 154′, 154″ and 154′″ for desks 152′, 152″ and 152′″, respectively,has a pair of side frame sections with base sections and upper sectionsconfigured similarly to base section 162 and upper section 166 of frameassembly 154, and the height of the upright section of each such sideframe section varies to provide the desired height of desk top 156 abovethe supporting surface, shown at 150. With this arrangement, it can beappreciated that a variety of desk heights can be provided utilizing asingle desk top 156 while only slightly varying the construction andconfiguration of the desk frame assembly, according to the targeted endusers of the desk.

[0115] FIGS. 34-42 illustrate a double desk 194 constructed according tothe invention. Double desk 194 includes a frame assembly 196 and a topassembly 198, and is adapted for use with a pair of chairs.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 36, frame assembly 196 of double desk 194 isconstructed similarly to frame assembly 154 of desk 152, in that frameassembly 196 includes the same pair of side frame sections 158 asincorporated in frame assembly 154, as well as an intermediate framesection 197 constructed similarly to frame sections 158. Frame assembly196 differs from frame assembly 154 in that two cross-brace members 200are connected between side frame sections 158, as are cross members 202.Cross-brace members 200 and cross members 202 are of sufficient lengthto space side frame sections 158 apart a sufficient distance toaccommodate a pair of chairs therebetween. Spaced pairs of rails 171 aremounted to cross members 202, with each pair being located toward oneend of double desk 194 where a chair is adapted to be received. Otherthan the length of cross-brace member 200 and mounting members 202, andthe use of two pairs of rails 171, frame assembly 196 of double desk 194is constructed the same as frame assembly 154 of desk 152.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 34-37, the top of double desk top assembly 198is made up of a pair of mirror image desk sections 204, 206 and a centersection 208.

[0118]FIG. 37 illustrates the construction of desk sections 204, 206.Details of desk section 206 are illustrated, and it is understood thatdesk section 204 is similarly constructed and is a mirror image of desksection 206.

[0119] Desk section 206 includes a top wall 210, an outer side edge 212including a depending lip, a front edge 214 having a depending lip and arear edge 216 having a depending lip. Rear edge 216 is perpendicular toouter side edge 212. Front edge 214 has a slight rearward, concavecurvature relative to outer side edge 212. An inner side edge 218extends between front and rear edges 214, 216, and does not include adepending lip.

[0120] A series of depending mounting bosses 220 extend downwardly fromtop wall 210, and reinforcing ribs 222 extend below top wall 210inwardly from rear edge 216, terminating rearwardly of the rear set ofmounting bosses 220. A pencil trough 224 is formed in top wall 210adjacent outer side edge 212.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 38, center section 208 includes a top wall 226,a front edge including a lip 228, a rear edge including a lip 230, and apair of side edges 232. An opening 234 is formed in top wall 226 towardrear edge 230, and is accessible through a channel 236. Opening 234 isadapted to receive cords or cables from a computer, monitor, mouse,keyboard or other electrical or electronic device which may be supportedon desk sections 204, 206 or center section 208. Channel 236 enablessuch cords or cables to be passed into opening 234 from rear edge 230.

[0122] Center section 208 further includes a series of mounting bosses238 which extend downwardly from the underside of top wall 226. Eachmounting boss 238 defines a downwardly opening passage 240. Centersection 208 further includes a pair of front reinforcing ribs 241extending rearwardly from front lip 228, a pair of rear ribs 242extending forwardly from rear lip 230, and a pair of intermediate ribs244, each of which is located between one of front ribs 240 and one orrear ribs 242. A pair of front gaps 246 are located between front ribs240 and intermediate ribs 244, and a pair of rear gaps 248 are locatedbetween rear ribs 242 and intermediate ribs 244. Front and rear gaps246, 248 are in alignment with the front and rear pairs of mountingbosses 238, respectively, and receive cross members 202 therein.

[0123] In assembly, desk sections 204 and 206 are engaged with crossmembers 202 at the sides of frame assembly 196, such that mountingmembers 220 of desk sections 204,206 are in alignment with openingsformed in mounting members 202 for receiving threaded fasteners such asscrews. Center section 208 is engaged with cross members 202 betweendesk sections 204, 206. Center section 208 has a width which enables theside edges 232 of center section 208 to overlap the side edges 218 ofdesk sections 204, 206, outwardly of ribs 240, 242 and 244. Mountingbosses 238 of center section 208 are aligned with openings in crossmembers 202, and threaded fasteners such as screws are engaged withinpassages 240 of mounting bosses 238 for drawing center section 208downwardly against mounting members 202. This functions to clamp desksections 204, 206 in position on frame assembly 196, and to provide astrong, unified construction for top assembly 198 of double desk 194.

[0124]FIG. 42 illustrates alternative desk sections 204′, 206′ which maybe used in place of desk sections 204, 206 in double desk assembly 194.Desk sections 204′, 206′ include a recessed top wall 250, which isadapted to receive an insert in the same manner as described above withrespect to desk top 156′ (FIGS. 19, 20).

[0125] Double desk 194 is adapted to have varying heights in the samemanner as illustrated in FIG. 33 with respect to desk assemblies 152,152′, 152″ and 152′″. In each case, the height of the upright section ofside frame section 158 is varied to vary the desk height, and the samedesk top assembly including desk sections 204, 206 and center section208 is used for each desk.

[0126] FIGS. 43-45 illustrates a tablet arm chair 252 constructedaccording to the invention. Tablet arm chair 252 incorporates a frameassembly 254 (FIG. 44) constructed similarly to frame assemblies 52,52′, 52″ and 52′″ of chairs 50, 50′, 50″ and 50′″, respectively. Intablet arm chair 252, a front upright 256 extends upwardly from theforward end of one of base sections 60, and is interconnected at itsupper end with a forwardly extending tablet arm support member 258. Afront glide mounting tab 88′ is mounted to the frame side section whichincludes upright 256, at a bend 259 located between base section 60 andupright 256. A front glide 84′ (FIG. 43) is adapted for mounting tofront glide mounting tab 88′, in a manner similar to that describedabove with respect to glide mounting tabs 88 and rear glides 84.

[0127] In a preferred form, tablet arm support member 258 and frontupright 256 are formed integrally with one of the side frame sections offrame assembly 254, and are bent from the same tubular material as rearupright 62 and base 60. Front upright 256 is located to one side of seat54, as is tablet arm support member 258. A pair of transverse tabletsupport members 260 are mounted in cantilever fashion to tablet armsupport _ member 258, extending above and forwardly of the seating areadefined by seat 54 and back 56. An end plate 261 extends between and ismounted to the ends of tablet support members 260. A tablet top 262(FIG. 45) is mounted to support members 258 and 260 via mounting bosses264, which depend from the top wall of tablet top 262 and which areengaged by threaded fasteners such as screws which extend into recessesformed in support members 258 and 260, and into passages in mountingbosses 264. Tablet top 262 may have a flat top wall, or the top wall oftablet top 262 may be recessed to receive an insert, as described above.A horizontal brace member 265 (FIG. 44) extends between front upright256 and one of the seat support members, shown at 82, of frame assembly254, to impart rigidity to front upright 256 and to brace tablet top 262against movement. At the opposite side of tablet arm chair 252, anupright 267 extends upwardly from the forward end of lower member 60 andis connected at its upper end to one of seat support members 82. A tab88 and a glide 84 are mounted to the bend between lower member 60 andupright 267.

[0128] As with chairs 50, 50′, 50″, and 50′″ and desks 152, 152′, 152″,152′″, the size and/or length of various components of tablet arm chair252 may be altered to provide tablet arm chairs of different heights andsizes to accommodate users of different sizes.

[0129]FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate an open-sided desk assembly 268constructed according to the invention. Desk assembly 268 includes acombination chair and desk frame assembly 270, which essentially is acombination of a chair frame assembly such as 52, 52′, 52″ and 52′″ withone of desk frame assemblies 154, 154′, 154″ and 154′″. Chair and deskframe assembly 270 includes an elongated base section 272, whichcorresponds to a chair frame base section, such as shown at 60 withrespect to chair frame assembly 52, merged with a desk frame basesection 162, with respect to desk frame 154. In this manner, the chairand desk are formed into a single unit providing entry and egress fromboth sides. Other than the base sections and glides 273 mounted thereto,the components of the chair portion of desk assembly 268 correspond tochair assemblies 50, 50′, 50″ and 50′″, and the components of the deskportion of desk assembly 268 correspond to desk 152.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 44, glides 273 are simply arcuate members formedof plastic or any other satisfactory material, mounted toward the frontand rear of base section 272 for spacing base section 272 above thefloor or other supporting surface. Double faced tape or a suitableadhesive is received within an arcuate upwardly facing recess in eachglide 273, and is employed to secure each glide. 273 to base section272.

[0131] Again, the size and/or length of various components of deskassembly 268 may be altered to provide desk assemblies of differentheights and sizes to accommodate users of different sizes.

[0132] The seat, back and desk top components of the various illustratedand described embodiments may be injection molded of a thermoplasticmaterial such as ABS, although it is understood that other satisfactorymaterials and forming methods may be employed.

[0133]FIG. 48 illustrates the manner in which four desks, such as 152,152′, 152″ or 152′″, may be stacked together for storage or cleaning. Asshown, the desks are stacked one on top of each other in a spiralconfiguration. With this arrangement, a stack of desks can be assembledquickly and easily, so as to enable cleaning of the floor space.

[0134]FIG. 49 illustrates the manner in which a chair can be stackedonto a desk, again for cleaning or storage. As shown, the chair, such as50, is placed so that its seat support members 82 rest on the top wall172 of the desk top 156, to suspend the chair from the desk top. In thismanner, the legs and base sections of the chair 50 are raised above thefloor, so as to allow the space below the desk to be cleaned. Thisstacking capability further allows compact storage of the chairs anddesks.

[0135]FIG. 50 illustrates the manner in which six chairs, such as 50,can be stacked one on top of each other and all facing the samedirection, for cleaning purposes or for storage. To stack the chairs 50in this manner, seat support members 82 of each chair are placed on topof the seat 54 of each chair therebelow. Again, this stacking capabilityprovides a quick and easy way to clear an area for cleaning or to stackthe chairs for storage.

[0136] FIGS. 51-54 illustrate a tray or box 274 adapted for use withdesk top 156 in any of the illustrated desk embodiments. Box 274includes a floor 276 having a curved front edge provided with anupstanding ridge or raised protrusion 278. A rear wall 280 extendsupwardly from the rear end of floor 276, and a pair of side walls 282extend upwardly from the side edges of floor 276. An outwardly extendingflange 284 is provided at the top end of each side wall 282. Front andrear guide tracks 286, 288, respectively, depend from the lower surfaceof floor 276.

[0137] Flanges 284 are adapted to engage rails 171 located below desktop 156 or desk sections 204, 206. With this arrangement, box 274 isengaged with the desk top, such as 156, by aligning flanges 284 aboverails 171 and pushing box 274 forwardly, such that flanges 284 ride onrails 171 for supporting box 274 below desk top 156. Box 274 can beremoved from desk top 156 by pulling box 274 rearwardly to disengage 274can be removed from desk top 156 by pulling box 274 rearwardly todisengage flanges 284 from rails 171. In this manner, boxes such as 274may be selectively utilized in combination with the desk for storingitems below the desk top. In addition, boxes 274 may be removed andstacked together for storage.

[0138]FIGS. 55 and 56 illustrate a mouse support member 290 for use incombination with box 274. Mouse support member 290 is in the form of anarcuate planar member having front and rear notches 292, 294 in itsfront and rear edges, respectively. Notches 292, 294 are adapted forengagement by guide tracks 286, 288 which are located below floor 276 ofbox 274, so as to mount mouse support member 290 to box 274 for lateralsliding movement. With this arrangement, mouse support member 290 can bemoved either leftwardly or rightwardly relative to box 274 so as toexpose the end portion of mouse support member 290 outwardly of one ofbox side walls 282. When a keyboard is received within box 274, theexposed portion of mouse support member 290 is operable to support acomputer mouse adjacent the keyboard and below the desk top. When not inuse, mouse support member 290 is moved to a retracted position in whichboth its ends are located below the sides of box 274 and are notexposed.

[0139]FIG. 57 illustrates storage box 274 as engaged with the undersideof desk top 156. FIG. 59 illustrates the manner in which storage box 274fits between the side frame sections, such as side frame sections 158,when mounted to the underside of desk top 156.

[0140]FIG. 58 illustrates movement of mouse support member 290 relativeto box 274. As shown in FIG. 58, mouse support member 290 can be movedrightwardly so that an end portion of mouse support member 290, shown atR, is exposed outwardly of the side area of storage box 274.Alternatively, mouse support member 290 can be slid leftwardly such thatthe leftward end of mouse support member 290, shown at L, is exposedoutwardly of the side area of storage box 274. In this manner, mousesupport member 290 can be used to support a computer mouse on eitherside of storage box 274.

[0141]FIG. 59 is an isometric view of the storage box of FIG. 52 asmounted to a desk assembly.

[0142]FIG. 60 shows storage box 274 with mouse support member 290 in itsretracted position, in which both ends of mouse support member 290 arelocated inwardly of the sides of storage box 274 and movement of storagebox 274 rearwardly relative to desk top 156. In this manner, storage box274 can be moved to provide access to the contents of storage box 274,which may be a computer keyboard or other items typically associatedwith use of a desk.

[0143]FIG. 61 illustrates removal of storage box 274 from desk top 156,and FIG. 62 illustrates the manner in which storage boxes 274 can bestacked upon each other and stored when not in use.

[0144] Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.

We claim:
 1. A chair, comprising: a frame including a pair of spacedapart side frame sections, wherein each side frame section includes abase section defining a forward end and a rearward end, an uprightextending upwardly from the rearward end of the base section, and a seatsupport member extending forwardly from the upright below an upper enddefined by the upright; a handle member extending between andinterconnecting the upper ends of the uprights; a seat mounted to theseat support members; and a back mounted to the handle member.
 2. Anarticle of furniture, comprising: a pair of frame sections, each ofwhich includes a base section, an upright extending upwardly from an enddefined by the base section, and a furniture component support memberextending from the upright at an elevation above the base section; and afurniture component mounted to and extending between the furniturecomponent support members.
 3. A chair, comprising: a frame assemblydefining a rigid seat support structure and a rigid back supportstructure; a seat mounted to the seat support structure; and a backmounted to the back support structure; wherein the seat and back areseparate from each other and wherein the seat defines a rearward usersupport surface having a rearward slope of approximately 8° relative tohorizontal and a forward portion defining a forward slope ofapproximately 5° relative to horizontal, and wherein the back defines aback support surface having a rearward slope of approximately 15°relative to vertical.
 4. A chair frame, comprising: a pair of side framesections, wherein each side frame section includes a base sectiondefining a forward end and a rearward end, an upright extending upwardlyand forwardly from the rearward end of the base section, wherein theupright terminates in an upper end portion which is angled so as toextend upwardly and rearwardly relative to the base section, and a seatsupport member extending forwardly from the upright at an elevationbelow the upper end portion of the upright and above the base section; across-brace member extending between and interconnecting the side framesections at a location between the seat support members; and an upperconnector member extending between and interconnecting the upper endportions of the uprights.
 5. The chair frame assembly of claim 4,wherein the upper connector member comprises a handle member defining anupper horizontal hand grip section and a pair of spaced downwardlyextending sections, each of which is engaged with the upper end portionof one of the uprights.
 6. A glide arrangement for an article offurniture including a base arrangement defining a corner adapted forplacement adjacent a supporting surface, comprising: a glide mountingtab secured to and extending outwardly and downwardly from the corner ofthe base; and a glide member including a slot adapted to receive theglide mounting tab, wherein the glide member defines an engagementsurface spaced below the lower extent of the base for engaging thesupporting surface and supporting the base thereabove.
 7. The glidearrangement of claim 6, wherein the glide mounting tab includes anopening and wherein the glide member is adapted to be secured to theglide mounting tab by means of a threaded fastener extending through anopening formed in the glide member and into engagement with the openingin the glide mounting tab.
 8. A glide arrangement for an article offurniture including a base having an end including wall structuredefining an internal passage, comprising: a glide member including alower engagement surface spaced below the lower extent of the base andadapted to engage the wall structure at the end of the base, wherein theglide member includes an opening and an annular area which engages thewall structure at the end of the base; and an end cap having a capportion and an engagement section extending therefrom, wherein theengagement section is adapted for passage through the opening in theglide member and into the passage defined by the end of the base, andwherein the cap portion is engageable with the glide member forenclosing the opening of the glide member.
 9. In a chair including aframe, a seat and a back, the improvement comprising: a seat supportarrangement comprising a pair of spaced apart seat support membersforming a part of the frame; a seat support plate interconnected withand extending between the seat support members; a series of mountingbosses formed on the seat and extending downwardly from an undersidedefined by the seat; and a connection arrangement for securing themounting bosses to the seat support plate.
 10. A desk, comprising: apair of C-shaped desk frame members, each of which defines a basesection, an upright section, and a desk top support section spaced abovethe base section; one or more cross-brace members extending between andinterconnecting the side frame sections; and a desk top mounted to andextending between the desk top support members.
 11. The desk of claim10, wherein the one or more cross-brace members comprise a lowercross-brace extending between and interconnecting the uprights of theside frame sections and one or more upper members extending between andinterconnecting the desk top support sections of the side framesections.
 12. The desk of claim 11, wherein the desk top is mounted tothe one or more upper members.
 13. A desk assembly, comprising: a frameassembly defining a base for engaging a supporting surface and a desktop support structure located above the base; and a desk top mounted tothe desk top support structure, wherein the desk top comprises a pair ofside desk top sections and a center desk top section located betweenspaced, facing side edges defined by the side desk top sections.
 14. Astudent desk, comprising: a seat section including a pair of spacedframe members, each of which defines a base and an upright and includesa seat support member extending forwardly from the upright, wherein aseat is mounted to the seat support members and a back is interconnectedwith the uprights; a desk top support upright interconnected with atleast one of the frame section bases and extending upwardly therefrom toan elevation above that of the seat, wherein the desk top supportupright includes a desk top support structure; and a desk top mounted tothe desk top support arrangement and spaced above and forwardly of theseat.
 15. The student desk of claim 14, including a pair of desk topsupport uprights, wherein each desk top support upright extends upwardlyfrom one of the bases at a location spaced forwardly of a forward edgedefined by the seat and wherein the desk top support structure extendsrearwardly from upper ends defined by the desk top support uprights. 16.A student desk, comprising: a frame arrangement including a base adaptedfor engagement with a supporting surface and a desk top supportstructure located above the base; a desk top mounted to the desk topsupport structure; and a box member, wherein a removable engagementarrangement is interposed between the box member and the desk top forremovably mounting the box member to the desk top.
 17. The desk of claim16, wherein the removable engagement arrangement comprises a pair ofspaced rails interconnected with the desk top support structure of theframe arrangement, and wherein the box member includes a pair of flangesengageable with the rails for slidably engaging the rails to releasablyengage the box member with the frame arrangement.
 18. An arrangement forsupporting a computer mouse adjacent a computer keyboard, comprising: akeyboard support structure including a transverse wall for supportingthe keyboard; and a mouse support platform, wherein the mouse supportplatform is movably mounted to the transverse wall for movement betweenan extended position and a retracted position.
 19. The mouse supportarrangement of claim 18, wherein the support platform in its extendedposition extends outwardly of a side wall interconnected with thetransverse wall of the keyboard support structure, and in its retractedposition is located inwardly of the side wall.
 20. The mouse supportarrangement of claim 19, wherein the support platform defines a pair ofend areas, and is movable in either a first direction or a seconddirection to expose one or the other of the platform end areas outwardlyof one or the other of a pair of side walls interconnected with thetransverse wall.
 21. The mouse support arrangement of claim 19, whereinthe support platform is movable relative to the transverse wall via apair of spaced apart guide flanges interconnected with the transversewall, and wherein the support platform includes a pair of spaced edges,each of which includes a notch for receiving one of the guide flangesfor providing sliding movement of the mouse support platform relative tothe transverse wall.
 22. A desk for use in combination with a desksupport structure, comprising: a desk top defining a peripheral edge andan upwardly facing surface located inwardly of the peripheral edge,wherein a recess is formed in the upwardly facing surface; and asubstantially flat insert adapted to be received within the recess,wherein the insert defines an upwardly facing surface.
 23. The articleof furniture of claim 2, wherein the furniture component comprises adesk or table top.
 24. The article of furniture of claim 23, wherein thefurniture component support comprises a desk or table top support memberwhich extends substantially parallel to the base section.
 25. Thearticle of furniture of claim 24, wherein the frame structure comprisesa pair of bent tubular members wherein the base section, the upright andthe desk or table top support member are formed integrally with eachother.
 26. The article of furniture of claim 2, wherein the furniturecomponent comprises a seat.
 27. The article of furniture of claim 26,wherein the frame structure further includes a back support sectionextending upwardly from the furniture component support member, and aback member mounted to the back support section.
 28. The article offurniture of claim 27, wherein the back support section includes ahandle member to which the back member is mounted.
 29. The article offurniture of claim 27, further comprising a desk member supportinterconnected with the frame structure and a desk member mounted to thedesk member support, wherein the desk member support is constructed andarranged to support the desk member at a location above and forwardly ofthe seat.
 30. The article of furniture of claim 29, wherein the deskmember support comprises an upright member extending upwardly from thebase section of one of the frame sections, wherein the upright member islocated to a side of the seat member.
 31. The article of furniture ofclaim 29, wherein the desk member support comprises a pair of uprightmembers, each of which extends upwardly from the base section of one ofthe frame sections, wherein each upright member is located forwardly ofthe seat member, and wherein each upright includes a rearwardlyextending support member to which the desk member is mounted.